4 Acknowledgements The Niu Pacific Health Plan for MidCentral has been developed through the valued input of many people, specifically the Manawatu and Horowhenua Pacific community people, Pacific health professionals and MidCentral health planners and managers. The invaluable contribution of the following people is particularly acknowledged. Members of the MidCentral Pasifika Health Development Group: Mike Grant (chair), Vaughan Antonio, Romea Atirai, Makerita Auta, Senaca Chapelle, Folole Fai, Nigel Fitzpatrick, Mike Grant, Rev. Tale Hakeagaiki, Sainimili Kanance, Lupe Kelekolio, Denise Kingi- Ulu ave, Elizabeth Leahy, Tracie Mafile o, Litea Meo-Sewabu, Tekura Mitchell, Nirmala Nand, Raetea Ngatama, Filipe Samate, Jenny Tuiloma Sowman, Noorangi Puleosi, Helen Talamaivao, Fa avesi Talamaivao, Taupo Tani, Keith Tarsau, Aloma Wehi, Oloimoa Wells, Rob Whitta, Pastor Patana Yala. Dr. Giles Bates, General and Community Paediatrician Barb Bradnock, Portfolio Manager, Child and Youth Health Jeanine Corke, Portfolio Manager, Depression Richard Fong, Clinical Advisor Shirley-Anne Gardiner, Health Planner Chiquita Hansen, Director of Nursing, PHC Stuart Simpson-Smith, Portfolio Manager, Disability Support Harold Wereta, Maori Portfolio Manager Thanks to all the Pacific fono participants, to Ana Fonua (youth research) and Fuimaono Karl Pulotu-Endemann for feedback on the plan. A special thanks to Helen Talamaivao, whose perseverance and passion for the Pacific community has driven the fruition of this plan. The writing and completion of the Niu Pacific Health Plan has become a reality because of the enthusiasm, dedication and commitment of such invaluable people, namely Dr Tracie Mafile o and Litea Meo-Sewabu. Our sincerest thanks to you both for having the patience to hear the voice of our people and for producing this wonderful document. Thank you also to Daniel-Tavita Fryer for his winning artwork used on the cover. Daniel-Tavita Fryer is a Year 13 student at Palmerston North Boys High School. 4

5 Introduction The Niu Pacific Health Plan is MidCentral District Health Board s (MDHB) plan for advancing Pacific peoples health for the period The plan builds on the niu approach to health developed by the health plan writers and the MidCentral Pasifika Health Development Group. There are two parts to the plan. The first part outlines the context and background for the priorities and goals presented in the second part. The priority areas are: 1. Pacific provider and workforce development 2. Improving and protecting Pacific child and maternal health 3. Improving and protecting the health of Pacific youth 4. Improving and protecting the health of Pacific people with long-term chronic conditions 5. Promoting healthy lifestyles and wellbeing for all Pacific peoples 6. Pacific health information, research and communication This Niu Pacific Health Plan intersects with and builds on the following Ministry of Health (MoH) and MDHB policy documents (Appendix One): New Zealand Health Strategy, MoH, 2000 Pacific Health and Disability Action Plan, MoH, 2002 Well Child Framework, MoH, March, 2002 Pacific Health and Disability Workforce Development Plan, MoH, 2004 Primary Health Care Strategy, MDHB, April 2004 Ageing in MidCentral: Health of Older People Strategy, MDHB, September 2004 Diabetes Service Plan, MDHB, July 2005 Cancer Service Plan, MDHB, August 2005 Maternity Services Strategy, MDHB, August 2005 Child Health Strategy, MDHB, September 2005 Cardiovascular Service Plan, MDHB, September 2005 Secondary Care Services Strategy, MDHB, September 2005 Oral Health Service Plan, MDHB, October 2005 Respiratory Service Plan, MDHB, November 2005 Depression Service Plan, MDHB, December 2005 Health Needs Assessment, MDHB, 2005 District Annual Plan, MDHB, 2006/7 Reasons for the Niu Pacific Health Plan The Niu Pacific Health Plan is a comprehensive, Pacific focused action plan, which moves MidCentral further towards the accomplishment of positive health outcomes for Pacific peoples in MidCentral. Many existing MidCentral strategies and plans include Pacific related initiatives, sometimes conflated as Maori and Pacific initiatives (Appendix One). Maori-centred planning and development is necessary, given tangata whenua status and the Treaty of Waitangi, and this has been achieved in part with the development of Oranga Pumau: Maori Health Strategy (MDHB, 2005) and the Maori Health Workforce Strategy (MDHB, 2005). The conflation of Maori and Pacific peoples health, however, will not necessarily lead to change in 5

6 Pacific health status. While health issues may be similar between Maori and Pacific peoples, improvement in health status for Pacific peoples will most likely be realised when their distinctive characteristics are taken into account. Issues related to migration, accelerated cultural change, language and access underline the importance of tailoring culturally relevant policies and services. Positive health outcomes for Pacific peoples can occur when their particular needs, cultures and aspirations are given due consideration in policy making and service planning. The Niu Pacific Health Plan sets the platform for such development in MidCentral. Process for Developing the Niu Pacific Health Plan A Pacific Island Community Awareness Raising Group was set up at the end of 2004 in the MidCentral region to assist with the implementation of an immunisation schedule, known as the MeNZB programme. Over a three month period, several Pacific fono were held in Palmerston North and Horowhenua. The programme was notably successful and this was attributed to the following factors: Pacific networks: in-person contacts, including community fono, were utilised to inform communities. Ethnic specific: wide community engagement was achieved through ethnic specific fono. For example, the first pan-pacific fono in Horowhenua did not have any Tongans in attendance. However, when a Tongan community leader was engaged to assist and there was a Tongan specific fono, there were 200 who attended the Tongan community fono. One in four Pacific peoples in the MidCentral region was accessed via ethnic specific fono. Community leaders: community leaders were engaged, acknowledging that it matters who the messenger is. Resourcing: community representatives were adequately remunerated for their cultural knowledge, skills and coordination role. Pacific nurses: Pacific nurses working in the MidCentral region took on extra duties and worked after hours to administer the immunisation service. They were able to offer the service using Pacific languages. Mobility: in many cases, the immunisation service was taken to families in their homes. The Pacific Island Community Awareness Raising Group continued to meet, but now has a broader focus on Pacific health and is known as the MidCentral Pasifika Health Development Group. There are around 30 members, including Pacific professionals in health and related fields in the MidCentral region. A series of community fono were held in Palmerston North and Levin as part of the process of developing this Niu Pacific Health Plan. The first fono held in July 2006 engaged community members to identify what their ideal Pacific health service would entail. The subsequent fono in November 2006 and the Pacific community leaders fono in March 2007 involved reporting back and consulting on the plan s progress. 6

7 The Niu Pacific Health Approach The Niu Pacific Health Plan employs the metaphor of the niu (coconut plant) to depict a vision and philosophy of Pacific health and development 1. There are a number of Pacific language proverbial sayings which refer to the niu and which reflect Pacific values and perceptions of health, wellbeing and development: Samoa "Ole pa'u a le popouli (niu)" Explanation: When a mature/ripe coconut falls to the ground, it becomes rooted and produces new growth. This is unlike an immature or unripe coconut, which will rot on the ground. This can be applied to a strong and clever person or to a strong community not easily overcome (Pratt, 1911). Cook Island Kapuaanga mei te uto, riro mai ei pu nu tupu ruperupe e te uua; ei utuutu e ei marumaru, no te au uki ki mua Explanation: The budding coconut begins life seeking and settling for a safe and suitable environment. It flourishes to maturity, providing shelter and sustenance to protect and nurture future generations (personal communication, Elizabeth Leahy and Raetea Ngatama, April 2007). Tonga Potopoto a niumui Explanation: The cleverness of a young coconut tree This can be applied to someone who is young and inexperienced (Mahina, 2004). In relation to the implementation of the Niu Pacific health plan, it is understand that time and experience can lead to greater maturity and wisdom. Fiji Tea nikua me baleta na nomu mataka (Meo, Dale, & Dale, 1985) Explanation: Plant today for your tomorrow. Planting the seed today, or the inception of the health plan, will benefit our children and our future as Pacific peoples in Aotearoa. The wisdom to know how and what to do now will have an impact on the future of our children so it is important to plan for the future. The verb plant implies the need to make a difference through some form of action. The inception of the Niu Pacific Health Plan today, with the concerted efforts of Pacific communities will have positive health outcomes realised for generations to come. Indo-Fijian Naariyal Explanation: The coconut (naariyal) has significance for the Hindu religion practiced within Indo-Fijian communities. The coconut is used in pooja (prayers) where it is put on a fire, representing a cleansing of negative thoughts thus enabling one to be in a clean, pure, peaceful and loving state. This is understood to ultimately align mind, body and soul, thereby creating a feeling of health and wellbeing (personal communication, Nirmala Nand, 1 March, 2007). 1 It has been shown elsewhere that metaphors are an appropriate way to present Pacific knowledge and values and to represent models for social and community practice in contemporary contexts (Mafile'o, 2005b; The Community Employment Group, 2004). 7

8 Rotuma Niu asoa; Niu he rụa Explanation: Coconut Helper, Two coconuts. This refers to the custom of presenting coconuts in pairs at feasts (Inia, 1998). As the saying implies, one is given and the other is a helper. When coconuts are presented with a basket of food they are carried on a pole to balance the basket; in order to be carried on a pole they must be tied together in two pairs (niu asoa rua). Odd-numbered things are regarded as incomplete; wholeness is associated with even numbers. This proverb demonstrates the need for balance in health and life. Tokelau Ke ola lelei te niu Explanation: This proverb states, let the coconut live (personal communication, Oneone Sini, March 2007). The Niu Pacific Health plan facilitates quality of life and wellbeing. Niue Ka gahua a koe he tafagafaga moua ni a koe he pona huli Explanation: If you work on shrub land you reap a poor harvest. Similarly, if we want good social, education and health outcomes, we need to have high aspirations (personal communication, Sonny Freddie Liuvaie, March 2007). The niu has some shared meaning across the Pacific and, for the purposes of this plan, distinguishes Pacific peoples cultures from that of iwi Maori as the tangata whenua of Aotearoa. The niu represents life, wellbeing, resource, usefulness and regeneration. Starting life as a seed, when nourished with soil, sun and water, the niu establishes roots and grows in strength to bear fruit. The niu invokes several layers of meaning in regard to Pacific health in MidCentral. There is acknowledgement that this plan is a small beginning and, like a seed, requires appropriate nurture and input from a variety of sources, to bring the vision to fruition. These sources include clinicians, funders, community and Pacific churches. From another point of view, positive Pacific health arises from strong Pacific cultural roots. Collaborative efforts between community and mainstream are warranted, to assist the growing majority of New Zealand born Pacific peoples to access Pacific cultures and, further, to positively contribute to innovations in Pacific knowledge, wellbeing, and leadership and so on. This leads onto a generational understanding of Pacific health drawn from the niu approach; when a niu plant matures, the fruit drops to the ground with potential to grow into another plant and to nourish others. The health development initiated for Pacific children, for example, will have benefits for future generations of Pacific and other New Zealanders as they grow to make a positive contribution to their families and communities. The niu health metaphor then is holistic. It integrates the past, present and the future. It also resonates with the fonofale model (Pulotu-Endemann, 2002) widely used within Pacific health throughout New Zealand (Appendix Two). The fonofale model rests on family as a foundation both nuclear and extended. The pillars represent spiritual, physical, mental and other dimensions of health, while culture serves as an umbrella encompassing the various components. Environment, time and context surround the fale, impacting on Pacific health and wellbeing. 8

9 From the Niu and Fonofale perspectives, health transcends beyond the absence of disease for an individual; health manifests and is experienced collectively. Community development, therefore, is central to the transformation of Pacific peoples health. Community Development Harnessing the resource inherent within Pacific communities is pivotal to achieving desired health outcomes for Pacific peoples. Pacific communities are defined as groups of individuals, their families and associates who may share common characteristics, cultures, values, interest, visions and/or goals; and who collaborate to fulfil shared purposes and aspirations (The Community Employment Group, 2004, p.14). Pacific communities may be ethnic specific or pan-pacific and may include churches, youth groups, and women s groups and so on. A community development approach engages with communities in order that they understand the causes of disparity, identify their needs and aspirations and develop strategies to achieve sustainable social transformation (Elliot, 1978; Ife, 2002; Munford & Walsh-Tapiata, 2000). The community approach is the best strategy for achieving change in Pacific communities and therefore, for improving the health of Pacific peoples (Mafile'o, 2005a; The Community Employment Group, 2004; Tiumalu-Faleseuga, 1993). Such an approach is in line with the 2004 New Zealand Health Strategy and the Pacific Health and Disability Action Plan, both of which support culturally appropriate strategies and initiatives. Community Settings A method that has been used internationally and within some DHBs here in New Zealand is the settings approach to health promotion (World Health Organisation, 1986). This approach focuses on places where people live, work or play with emphasis on the environment rather than the behaviour that is to be changed. It shifts away from disease focused vertical programmes and requires community participation; in contrast to the disease approach it addresses the needs within the chosen setting. While literature argues that this approach is time consuming and requires a lot of networking within communities, established networks within Pacific communities make this approach an appropriate one. Moreover the initiatives focus on a system that not only treats illness but also promotes good health and wellbeing. The Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion (World Health Organisation, 1986) clearly defines these strategies (Appendix Three). It looks beyond health education and considers other aspects that can allow a person to increase control over the factors that improve his/her health. For Pacific peoples this is best achieved through group initiatives and the concerted effort of the community to bring about the desired change. Initiating changes through existing social structures, such as churches and women s groups, will improve health amongst Pacific peoples. While there are established mainstream and non-pacific services available for Pacific peoples, access to health services remains a primary barrier to Pacific peoples wellbeing (Huakau & Bray, 2000; Moata'ane, Muimui-Heata, & Guthrie, 1996; Young, 1997). Barriers include communication, the stigma associated with particular health issues, location and physical environment. Via community development processes, and the settings approach in particular, partnerships will be formed between MDHB and Pacific communities to improve health access. 9

10 Vision The Niu Pacific Health Plan, in line with the Pacific Health and Disability Action Plan (Ministry of Health, 2002), has the following vision: Healthy Pacific peoples supported by healthy families and communities, achieving their full potential throughout their lives. This vision requires that access issues and inequalities are addressed, and that services are culturally appropriate for Pacific peoples in the MidCentral. The Niu Pacific Health Plan sets the premise for the establishment of a Pacific health service in the MidCentral region to help achieve this vision. Values and Principles Emerging from the niu health approach there are several identifiable values and principles underpinning the Niu Pacific Health Plan: 1. Cultural diversity valuing cultural diversity and acknowledging both shared and distinctive cultural factors related to nation, language, New Zealand-born and Island-born, gender and age (Macpherson, 2001; Tiatia, 1998); 2. Pacific knowledge and frameworks for health practice (Agnew et al., 2004; Pulotu-Endemann, 2002); 3. Community development culturally relevant and effective change processes (Mafile o, 2005; Tiumalu-Faleseuga, 1993). Background Information Pacific Peoples Pacific peoples are linguistically, culturally, and geographically distinctive from each other (Health Research Council of New Zealand, 2003, p.4). There are several major Pacific nation groups in New Zealand: Samoa, Cook Islands, Tonga, Fiji, Tokelau, Niue and Tuvalu. However, Pacific peoples include many other Pacific nation communities, for example Kiribati, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea or Tahiti. Samoans account for around half of the Pacific population, and Cook Islanders and Tongans are respectively the next largest groups. Cook Islanders, Niueans and Tokelauans are New Zealand citizens by birth. The growing New Zealand-born Pacific population (58% at the 2001 Census) adds to the diversity within Pacific communities. The Pacific population is projected to rise in all regions of New Zealand. By 2021, it is expected that the Pacific population will constitute 9.1% or 420,000 of the New Zealand population. This is a 59 percent increase over the 2001 figure of 260,000 (Statistics_New_Zealand, 2005). The MidCentral region s Pacific peoples population has steadily increased, with 5,892 or 2.7% being Pacific peoples amongst a total of 220,000 (Statistics New Zealand, 2006). This an increase from the 2001 Census where Pacific peoples constituted 2.0% of the MidCentral population (Statistics New Zealand, 2006). MidCentral region covers four whole territorial authorities and part of a fifth, Kapiti Coast. These territories are Palmerston North, Manawatu, Horowhenua, and Tararua. Palmerston North and Horowhenua have the most number of Pacific peoples (2,754 and 1,014 respectively) (Statistics New Zealand, 2006). However, because Horowhenua is more rural, there is less access to health care. The Niu Pacific Health Plan outlines initiatives which will increase accessibility and reduce inequality (MDHB, 2005b). 10

11 The Pacific people s population has a relatively young age structure, with the majority being between years old. This population will age and health programmes will need to be in place to cater for their needs. Pacific population profile in MidCentral MidCentral s Pacific peoples population has a younger age balance compared to MidCentral overall. Roughly 56% of MidCentral Pacific Peoples are aged under 25, compared to 37% of MidCentral s overall population. The proportion of MidCentral s Pacific Peoples population aged 65 or over is less than for MidCentral s overall 3% compared to 13.5%. By 2021, 48.3% of Pacific Peoples will be under 25 and 6% aged 65 and over. (MDHB, 2005) The youthful profile of the Pacific population in MidCentral is the basis of the particular emphasis on children and youth in the Niu Pacific Health Plan priorities. Pacific Peoples Health Nationally, Pacific peoples generally suffer from a number of communicable and lifestyle diseases. These diseases are compounded by the fact that a disproportionate number of Pacific peoples are socio-economically disadvantaged and are therefore affected by other factors that determine health (Poutasi, 2001). Following the settings approach to health promotion, prevalent diseases amongst Pacific peoples can be addressed more effectively by identifying contributing risk factors as follows: Physical Activity: Studies indicate that 73.5% of Pacific peoples are obese (MDHB, 2005b). Even though Pacific peoples are more likely than non Pacific New Zealanders to engage in some form of physical activity, rates of obesity continue to increase especially among Pacific females (82.2%) (MDHB, 2005b). The National Children s Nutrition Survey found that 62% of Pacific children in New Zealand were overweight or obese, compared to 31% of New Zealand children overall (Parnell, Scragg, Wilson, Schaaf, & Fitzgerald, 2003). Nutrition: Pacific peoples are known as feasting people. Food choices at these feasts often lack good nutritional value. This in turn contributes to the high incidence of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and other such lifestyle diseases. Initiatives encouraging healthy food choices within settings where most of the feasting occurs is a major part of the Niu Pacific Health Plan. 11

12 Tobacco: A total of 36.4% Pacific peoples are smokers within the MidCentral region. Specifically, 44.4% of Pacific men and 28.7% of Pacific females smoke. There are almost twice as many Pacific males who smoke compared to European/Other ethnic groups whereby 24.8% of males are smokers (MDHB, 2005b). Infectious and respiratory diseases affecting children - such as asthma, and bronchitis - and noncommunicable or lifestyle diseases such as cancer/stroke/cardiovascular diseases affecting adults, are also addressed in this Niu Pacific Health Plan. Alcohol: Although alcohol consumption among the Pacific population is similar to that of the national population, consumption among Pacific males is slightly higher (30.8%) than Europeans (27.3%). In addition to avoidable accidents and injuries resulting from excessive drinking there are other health issues such as sexually transmitted infections (STI) and teenage pregnancies. The Niu Pacific Health Plan includes initiatives which aim to reduce the negative health effects of excessive drinking or alcohol abuse among Pacific peoples specifically the Pacific youth. Other contributing factors Screening Services (breast/cervical/mental): Another major contributing factor to the poor health status of Pacific peoples is the lack of accessibility to and awareness of screening services. Dental and Oral Health: Poor dental health is also a concern for Pacific peoples. The Niu Pacific Health Plan contains initiatives that aim to reduce the rates of dental caries, especially amongst young Pacific children. Immunisation: To improve immunisation rates the Niu Pacific Health Plan sets out to duplicate the successful approach taken with the MeNZB community initiative which led to the immunisation of more than 90% of Pacific children and youth. Pacific Health Services In recent years, there have been groundswell developments in particular regions, whereby Pacific groups and communities have established by Pacific for Pacific services (Ministry of Health, 2004). Such services have been set up to counter the low utilisation of mainstream services by Pacific peoples and concerns around cultural sensitivity in the way services are delivered. The Niu Pacific Health Plan therefore includes initiatives that will increase accessibility and address cultural competencies amongst health care providers, primarily through the establishment of a Pacific health service. Health Promotion Health promotion is the process of enabling people to increase control over, and to improve, their health (World Health Organisation, 1986). The Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion consists of five action areas that will achieve equity in health and enable all people to achieve their health potential (World Health Organisation, 1986). The vision, values, priorities and initiatives within the Niu Pacific Health Plan reflect the essence of the Ottawa Charter and reinforce the need for a community approach. Notably, such an approach was proven successful with the MeNZB project. The settings approach allow Pacific communities to improve health within their community settings. The establishment of health promoting churches, health promoting schools or early childhood centres, women and men cultural groups makes provision for health to be placed on the agendas of these established groups and networks. The Primary Health Care systems is the machinery that will establish baselines within each setting allowing continuous monitoring and evaluation of 12

13 health promotion initiatives, resulting in a healthier population group. The approach is illustrated in Figure 1. Health Promoting Pacific Peoples Communities HP schools PHC HP cultural groups HP churches Establish baselines, continuous monitoring & evaluation Figure 1: Settings Approach adopted in the Nui Pacific Health Plan The five action areas of the Ottawa Charter, reflected in the Niu Pacific Health Plan, are as follows: Action Area 1: Building healthy public policy Policies must make the healthy choice the easy choice. The Niu Pacific Health Plan includes initiatives that advocate for health at regional and community levels. Moreover, community leaders and members with the help of community health workers will have opportunities to develop policies pertinent to their own health, and communities will be empowered to take control of their health. Action Area 2: Creating supportive environments As a result of the change in policies, environments become more conducive to health. The Niu Pacific Health Plan includes initiatives that focus on creating environments conducive to the behaviour that is to be changed. Initiatives address social environments rather than just the behaviour itself. Action Area 3: Strengthening community action This is the drive of the Niu Pacific Health Plan. Community groups are central to the planning and decision making process. The inception of the Niu Pacific Health Plan involved such a process. This reinforces ownership of the programme or plan. Pacific peoples community groups are well equipped to mobilise their people into action. The Niu Pacific Health Plan imparts a structured approach in strengthening community via the settings approach. 13

14 Action Area 4: Developing personal skills Life skills that are conducive to health are developed by providing information, increasing awareness and providing opportunities within a community. The Niu Pacific Health Plan facilitates this process through the settings approach in which church groups, cultural groups and other social groups implement skills training on health. Action Area 5: Reorient health services Reorienting health services means that the health sector must move increasingly in a health promotion direction, beyond its responsibility in providing clinical and curative services (World Health Organisation Charter, 1986, p.4). Reinforcing this approach, the MidCentral Primary Health Care Strategy (2004) promotes a strong focus on health promotion and prevention (p.7). The Niu Pacific Health Plan shifts away from disease focused initiatives, reiterates the need for culturally appropriate initiatives, and encourages health research and the development of a culturally competent workforce to improve the health of Pacific peoples. 14

15 Priority One: Pacific Provider Development and Workforce Development A key objective of this plan is to lay the foundation for the development of a Pacific health service within MidCentral. This will require development of the Pacific workforce both in terms of numbers and their competency to work with Pacific communities. Secondly, the non-pacific workforce and services can be assisted to develop their competency to work with Pacific peoples and communities. Health disparity can partly be attributed to the cultural differences between service providers and service users (Smedley, Stith, & Nelson, 2000). Workforce development will necessarily require health professionals and service providers increasing awareness of their own cultural values, and increasing knowledge of Pacific cultural values. Importantly, increased knowledge will need to translate into actual behaviour, for example, appropriate communication forms or etiquette for undertaking physical examinations. The need for cultural competency is even more pertinent for mental health practitioners if it is understood that mental health, meaning and perception is more explicitly culturally determined than physical health conditions. Furthermore, the expected impact of health promotion activities in de-stigmatising mental health issues is that there will be an increase in demand for mental health services that are responsive to Pacific peoples needs. Objective 1.1 Establish a Pacific health service Initiative 1. Establish a community-based Pacific health service for Palmerston North and Horowhenua 1.2 Increase the number of Pacific health professionals 2. Prioritise the health related fields where the Pacific workforce is most needed and establish scholarships for Pacific young peoples and second chance learners to gain professional qualifications in those areas 3. Participate in careers expos and the like in order to promote health careers to Pacific peoples 4. Provide opportunities for Pacific health professionals to talk about their career journeys with other Pacific peoples 5. Establish links between high schools, tertiary institutions and MDHB for mentoring Pacific young people through a health qualification 6. Develop Pacific specific positions within the community health sector 15

16 1.3 Enhance the competency of the Pacific and non-pacific workforce to work with Pacific peoples 7. Mobilise the existing Pacific workforce in MDHB by coordinating Pacific professional development and networking forums 8. Initiate and host an annual Pacific Health Workshop for Pacific community leaders and health practitioners to come together to consult and develop joint initiatives 9. Provide cultural competency training and other relevant short courses 10. Develop, maintain and make available to health professionals in MidCentral, a database of Pacific peoples available for consultation on cultural and Pacific health matters 11. Train a pool of Pacific language translators and develop a Pacific language translation service 12. Develop relationships with education providers of health related courses in MidCentral (Massey University, UCOL and Te Wananga o Aotearoa) and liaise on course content related to Pacific peoples health and Pacific models of practice 16

17 Priority Two: Improving and Protecting Pacific Child and Maternal Health Statistics indicate that Pacific People have a much younger age profile than the total New Zealand population. Thirty nine percent (39%) of the Pacific people s population is under the age of 15years compare to 23% of the total New Zealand population. The average age of Pacific people s population is 21years compared to 35years for the New Zealand total population (MPIA, 2002). In the MidCentral region, the Pacific peoples population has a younger age structure compared to MidCentral overall. Roughly 56% of MidCentral Pacific peoples are aged under 25, compared to 37% of MidCentral s overall population (MDHB, 2005b). MidCentral DHB s vision for 2006/2007 is to meet the needs of specific age-related groups such as children and youth. The priority areas therefore are derived from the broader vision and encompass the problems faced by this population group. Initiatives for this priority are based on MidCentral s Health Needs Assessment Report (MDHB, 2005b) and the Health Status of Children and Young People in the MidCentral Region report (MDHB, 2005a). The objectives respond to the health needs most relevant to Pacific children. Respiratory infections and their complications such as asthma, brochiectasis, meningococcal infection and skin infection are all prevalent amongst Pacific children. In the last 10 years prevalence of these diseases and admission rates into hospital in the MidCentral region was highest amongst Pacific children and young people. Dental or Oral health amongst Pacific children is also generally poorer. The use of fluoride at an early age is pertinent if prevalence is to be reduced. Childhood hearing is another major area affecting Pacific children. Almost 14% of Pacific children in MidCentral fail the hearing test; this is higher than Maori (7%) and Pakeha (5%). Child injury and poisoning are lower than average in the MidCentral region among Pacific children. However, there still needs to be a strategy that covers these two issues since national figures indicate that Pacific children have high rates of injury. The immunisation rate amongst Pacific children in MidCentral region close to 90% for the MeNZB programme. This was achieved through the door to door approach led by the Pacific Health workers and Pacific community leaders. Through the consultation process of this plan it has been noted that gastroenteritis among Pacific children is becoming more prevalent. The implementation of the Well Child/Tamariki Ora National Schedule will help to address some of the health issues outlined as most prevalent amongst Pacific children. The Well Child/Tamariki Ora service is a screening, surveillance, education and support service offered to all New Zealand children and their families and community from birth to five years. It assists families and communities to improve and protect their children s health (MoH, 2002). 17

18 Maternity Service Strategy MidCentral s maternity service s vision is to enable access to a high quality, collaborative and safe maternity service, which is responsive to the needs of women while achieving healthy outcomes for mothers and babies (MDHB, 2005). Maternity care within MidCentral outlines six major goals that the Niu Pacific Health Plan aligns with. The goals are increasing access, enabling and maintaining collaboration between primary and secondary care, increasing community participation, ensuring continuity of care through efficient coordination of services, development of infrastructure that will enable implementation of agreed priorities and directions and ensuring that quality maternity service is provided through monitoring of service via a reliable, multidisciplinary and informative process (MDHB, 2005). Within Pacific communities, increasing awareness on the importance of ante and post natal care is a priority. The provision of best possible, quality and culturally appropriate services for both Pacific mother and babies is part of the Niu Pacific Health Plan. There is also need to examine the pressure and mental well being of a Pacific teen faced with pregnancy. Initiatives that allow free flow of information pertinent to their health and wellbeing should be encouraged, hence increasing wellbeing and contributing to the prevention of issues such as suicide. Objective 2.1 Improve access for Pacific children to primary health care service 2.2 Improve uptake of Well Child services/well Pacific Children Initiatives 13. Work with Horowhenua, Otaki, Tararua and Manawatu PHOs to improve access for all Pacific children to PHC services 14. Ensure th at the PHC Provider plan makes provisions on how they will improve access for Pacific children, their caregivers and mothers 15. Ensure full enrolment and uptake of well child by all Pacific children through the Well Child provider and settings by six weeks and actively monitor 16. Work with Plunket and Tamariki Ora services to develop culturally appropriate services to Pacific children and their families 17. Monitor and evaluate effectiveness of immunisation services through the well child framework (duplicate initiatives from MeNZB programme) 18. Initiate ear checks and monitoring at community level within the Pacific early childhood centres and playgroups and other settings within the Pacific community 19. Work with PHC and WCP to ensure initiatives are in place to reduce the rate of serious skin infections 18

19 2.4 Reduce the rate of infectious diseases 20. Establish initiatives within existing networks through PHOs, Pacific early childhood centres and schools that focus on meningococcal, rheumatic fever and hepatitis B 21. Increase community awareness on infectious diseases via the settings approach 22. Initiate smoke free and quit programmes for parents and caregivers 2.5 Improve and protect the oral health of Pacific children 23. Develop Pacific specific programmes to encourage enrolment in the School Dental health Service (to be part of HP schools plan) 2.6 Reduce avoidable injuries 24. Develop and implement a Pacific Child Injury prevention programme (injury from falls, motor accidents, drowning and poisoning) in line with the national programme 25. Ensure the safe practice of male cultural procedure 26. Increase awareness on safe practices within the homes, schools, churches and community groups on avoidable injuries 2.7 Improve and protect maternal health 27. Increase awareness of positive parenting strategies via the settings approach 28. Work with PHO s to ensure that provisions for Pacific mothers are made specifically to increase awareness and access, cultural sensitivity and providing quality care, continuity of care and maternity service options. 29. Support teen and marginalised mothers by providing appropriate counselling and referrals (ensuring that depression and de-stigmatisation is part of ante natal and post natal education) 30. Increase awareness and compliance on maternity care, ante natal and post natal education and ensure cultural appropriateness 19

20 Priority Three: Improving and Protecting Pacific Youth Health Pacific youth (15-24 years) make up about 20% of Pacific peoples in the MidCentral region (MDHB, 2005b). Youth focused strategies are often omitted in health plans, because youth is seen as a healthy stage of life when people are most immune to diseases. It is at this time of life, however, that certain behaviours are adopted that determines the health status of an individual. The Niu Pacific Health Plan looks at health issues amongst youth such as pregnancies, suicide, injuries and obesity and identifies initiatives that can help improve the health of Pacific youth. The development of the Pacific youth health programme is in line with the National Youth Health Strategy. In order to meet the needs of Pacific youth, services must assure young people of confidentiality, especially when dealing with sexual health issues. Establishing peer advisors ensures that young people are getting the right information from a less intimidating source. Services must be accessible and provide a safe environment for young people. A qualitative study by Fonua (2007) on Palmerston North Pacific youth perspectives on health found support for a holistic concept of health amongst Pacific youth. It was concluded that parents and families are role models and key agents to support, facilitate and nurture youth health. Key recommendations from the study include: Encouraging physical activity amongst Pacific youth through their various settings (youth group, schools); Developing youth and cultural groups as a means of supporting social and emotional wellbeing; Encouraging female participation in physical activity through their social groups and settings; Encouraging family support in adopting healthy lifestyles; Encouraging parents and families to be positive role models; Setting up community and public facilities for Pacific youth where youth needs can be addressed; These recommendations have been incorporated into the initiatives, reinforcing the essence of the Niu Pacific Health Plan for community action through the settings approach. 20

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